Russian pole vault hero backtracks but supports Russian law

Russian pole vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva has moved to clarify her controversial comments about homosexuality.

Isinbayeva appeared to condemn homosexuality while defending her country's new anti-gay laws on Thursday.

She spoke out after some of her fellow athletes opted to paint their nails in rainbow colors to highlight their support of gay rights, suggesting that people should not be allowed to promote homosexuality.

But Isinbaeva was keen to clarify her views on Friday, believing them to have been lost in translation.

"English is not my first language and I think I may have been misunderstood when I spoke yesterday," she said in a statement.

"What I wanted to say was that people should respect the laws of other countries, particularly when they are guests.

"But let me make it clear I respect the views of my fellow athletes, and let me state in the strongest terms that I am opposed to any discrimination against gay people on the grounds of their sexuality (which is against the Olympic charter)."

The words from the three-time world champion have not helped to alleviate concerns about Russia's suitability as host for next year's Winter Olympics and the FIFA World Cup in 2018.